Take a Deep Breath at Miya Lost Villa, a Rural Chinese Barn Resort

Typically, resort-goers are seeking an escape, leaving behind everyday stressors to step into a state of ultimate relaxation while also getting a bit of culture. On that note, a rural retreat sounds tricky though—vacationing in a foreign city full of other tourists and locals feels less daunting than stepping into isolation in a completely different country. Miya Lost Villa provides a smooth and serene transition to China’s countryside, five hours outside Shanghai in Huzhou. The barn resort doesn’t require an adventurous spirit—the grain storehouse turned luxe stay encourages ultimate comfort. Think of it as a sophisticated vacation in the country.

Situated between two mountains (Tianti and Siming), Miya Lost Villa exudes peace and absolute stillness. Designed by Chinese architecture firm Ares Partners with Helen Wang as the lead architect, the refurbished, historic stone building consists of six recently renovated buildings. Blending original stonework with modern white colors, the resort seamlessly melds modern and rural aesthetics. In a similar vein, natural light and exposed woodwork was important to the designers. Guests should expect a light and refreshing open-air feel.

Miya Lost Villa makes you feel like you’re outside in nature paired with all the luxurious of staying indoors. The twenty-one guest rooms all have private sundecks with mountain views. We’d recommend watching the sunset there. They’re an ideal place to relax, reflex, and perhaps even practice some early morning meditation. A minimalist aesthetic flows through the architecture and the interior design, helping guests focus on the breathtaking valley.

If you’re concerned all this tranquility might not provide sustainable vacation entertainment, think again. The resort actually has a surprising amount of activities. Float and stargaze in their outdoor swimming pool, dine at the authentic Chinese restaurant within the resort, or learn how to play chess and mahjong in their poker room. Plus, the front desk offers full service twenty-four hours a day, including airport pickup services. One would think all this milk and honey would come at a high price. Nope! We can barely believe it, but you can book a room here for $88 a night. That’s right, US dollars. If you want to be one of the first lucky guests, book a room here before it really blows up and has a waitlist.